thebijoubabe's Shop Announcement

Welcome to The Bijou Babe, my Etsy boutique, where you will find handmade artisan gemstone jewelry created with the finest materials. Exquisite precious and semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, precious metals, as well as high karat gold are used in my designs. You will also find vintage and antique treasures incorporated in many of my pieces. *For valuable information on the merits of gold filled and vermeil jewelry, please read more at the very bottom of this page!

Each piece I create in my home studio is given the utmost attention to detail and craftsmanship, and is designed with a passion for unique, but completely wearable jewelry! My goal is to provide women with pieces that they can wear daily, pieces that can be worn while dressed up, or dressed casually.

The majority of my items are one-of-a-kind pieces or limited editions, so please don't hesitate to ask me to reserve an item or create a layaway plan that will work for you. Custom orders are also welcome! "Like" me on Facebook to see sneak peeks and receive special offers.

Thank you for visiting, I hope you find that special piece that you will always treasure!
~Susan

*I have many clients ask me to clarify the difference between gold filled and vermeil, so I am posting some information gathered from my suppliers here! Many people have misconceptions about gold filled or vermeil, because they confuse it with "gold plate". I can assure you, they are vastly different! Vermeil must meet the FTC standard of 100 millionths of an inch (2 ½ microns) of fine gold layered over sterling silver. In order for a piece to be labeled legally as "vermeil", the item must not be less than 10 karat gold and have a substantial thickness, with a minimum thickness of 2 ½ microns. In contrast, "gold plating" is a miniscule layer of solid gold applied to a brass base. The plating does not compose any measurable proportion of the product’s total weight, and is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating will wear off rather quickly and expose the brass base product. Vermeil jewelry that meets FTC standards, as those featured in my shop, will NOT wear off quickly, because it is NOT a thin layer of gold. While vermeil jewelry may tarnish (the base is sterling silver, a precious metal that tarnishes), it is easily cleaned and restored to its original beauty if cared for properly.

*What is "gold filled"? Gold-filled is constructed in two or three layers. The core metal is jewelers’ brass. Single clad gold-filled has all the gold content in a single layer on one side. Double clad gold-filled splits the gold content into surface layers on both sides of the material. The gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. The bonded raw material is then sold as sheet or wire to jewelry manufacturers for use in designs.

Gold-filled is legally required to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the karatage of the gold alloy. Most gold-filled is 12kt or 14kt gold-filled. All of the gold-filled used in my designs is 14kt.

Thank you for reading, please feel free to contact me regarding any questions, or if you would like me to create (or re-create!) a design exclusively for you.
~Susan